Module 8: Art Nouveau & Art Deco

This module examines the transformative artistic and design movements of the early 20th century: Art Nouveau and Art Deco. You will explore their origins, their global impact on art, design, architecture and decorative arts, and understand how historical, cultural and technological forces shaped these distinctive styles.

Why This Module Matters

Art Nouveau and Art Deco represent a critical turning point — where art, design, industry and global exchange intersect. Studying this module helps you recognize how aesthetics and functionality merged, how colonialism, technology, modernity and mass culture influenced style, and why these movements continue to inform contemporary art and design.

• Recognize the defining traits and innovations of Art Nouveau and Art Deco in art, design and architecture.
• Understand how social, political, technological and cultural changes shaped these movements across different countries.
• Build analytical tools to analyze how art and design reflect historical forces and evolving tastes.

By the end of Module 8, you’ll be able to discern Art Nouveau and Art Deco works, appreciate their stylistic vocabulary, and evaluate how they reflect the transition into modern, globalised globalized visual culture.

What You’ll Learn

• The Origins of Art Nouveau
  Study its roots, influences, and early exhibitions shaping the movement.
• Art Nouveau Design & Decoration
  How the movement appeared in art, design, furniture, architecture, and global style.
• The Rise of Art Deco
  Its origins, global spread, and how technology, transport, cinema, and modern life shaped it.
• Comparative & Global Perspective
  Analyze how Art Nouveau and Art Deco adapted to different countries and contexts.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze Key Works
  Analyze art, design objects, and architecture to identify Art Nouveau and Art Deco traits.
• Compare Across Media & Regions
  Examine design, painting, architecture, and decorative objects across cultures.
• Contextualize Interpretation
  Place works in their historical, political, colonial, and technological context.
• Trace Influence & Legacy
  See how Art Nouveau and Art Deco shaped global design and visual culture.

Module Content

This module covers the following topics:

• Art Nouveau & Art Deco Introduction
• What is Art Nouveau?
• The Origins & Sources of Art Nouveau
• Naming Art Nouveau
• Art Nouveau & International Exhibitions
• Exotic & Colonial Influences on Art Nouveau
• Promoting Art Nouveau
• Art Nouveau Design & Decoration
• Art Nouveau & Architecture
• Art Nouveau & Art
• Art Nouveau & Politics
• Art Nouveau & Sex
• Art Nouveau & Technology
• Art Nouveau by Country
• Decline of Art Nouveau
• What is Art Deco?
• The Origins of Art Deco
• Naming Art Deco
• Art Deco & International Exhibitions
• Primitive Influences
• Promoting Art Deco
• Art Deco & Architecture
• Art Deco & Art
• Art Deco & Industrial Design
• Art Deco & Jazz
• Trains, Boats & Planes
• Streamlining
• Art Deco & Cinema
• Art Deco by Country
• Art Deco & Politics

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 8, you will:

• Understand the defining characteristics and historical significance of Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
• Be able to analyze artworks, design and architecture in terms of style, form, decoration, cultural context and technological influence.
• Recognize how globalization, industrialization and transport shaped 20th‑century art and design movements.
• Gain the ability to compare and contextualize works from different regions and media — from decorative arts to architecture, from Europe to worldwide.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert tutors provide Module 8‑specific guidance, helping you analyze Art Nouveau and Art Deco works across art, design and architecture, contextualize them within their cultural, social and technological environments, and recognize the significance of globalization, industrialization and modernity. Through personalized feedback, they’ll support your development of visual literacy, design sensitivity and historical insight — equipping you to appreciate and critique 20th‑century style and its legacy with confidence.